5 Star Fiction Reads
I used to have the mindset that reading fiction was a waste of time. I only wanted to read non-fiction so I could learn and grow. But I decided to give reading fiction a try at an anxious and stressful time in my life. Reading fiction helped me relax and step into a world to keep my mind off the busyness and stress of life. I fell in love with reading even more and now fiction is my favorite to read, especially thrillers. Below are the fiction books that I have given 5 stars to over the years and I would highly recommend each of them!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alex Michaelides’ debut novel is a psychological thriller that revolves around Alicia Berenson, who allegedly shot and killed her husband and now refuses to speak. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to get Alicia to talk and search for the truth. The shocking ending of this book was what made it a 5 star read for me!
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Lowen is an author who gets the opportunity to come act as a ghostwriter and finish the book for a woman, Verity, who is in a coma. Lowen moves into Verity and her husband, Jeremy’s house to finish the book. Lowen discovers that the book is more than just an autobiography and contains dark secrets about their lives.
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
After Rachel Klein drops her daughter off at school she receives a call telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped and the only way to get her back is to kidnap another child. Rachel is now a part of “The Chain,” an unending scheme that turns victims into criminals. They know parents will of anything for their children.
His & Hers by Alice Feeney
After a woman is murdered a BBC news presenter, Anna, covers the case. Her ex-husband detective, Jack, is also working to solve the case. They both have connections to the victim, were they framed or is either of them are guilty? This story is told from Jack’s point of view, Anna’s point of view, and the killers point of view, which is very similar to the way that Jack and Anna tell the story.
Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister
A young woman, Olivia, goes missing and Julia, a detective leads the search. Julia is approached by a man who tells her she must frame a specific person for Olivia’s disappearance. The criminal holds Julia’s darkest secret of her past and if she doesn’t do it he will reveal her secrets that would ruin her life. The story captures Julia’s desire to protect her family, while feeling conflicted about her decisions.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The main character, Millie, recently released from jail and homeless, secures a job as a maid for the Winchester family. She moves into their attic bedroom and hopes it will help her get a fresh start to her life. While trying to hide her own secrets, Millie discovers the Winchester family is also hiding dark secrets. Containing plot twists, surprises, hints dropped throughout the book, and complex characters this is known as a popular thriller and Freida McFadden’s best work!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl” was abandoned by her family and now is left to fend for herself. She is intelligent and resourceful, living a life of independence. The story follows Kya’s life, how she survives on her own, deals with abandonment and then later being accused of murder, and her story of growing up and falling in love. The author has a beautifully descriptive way of writing about Kya’s life in the marsh and how we are shaped by our childhood circumstances. It is easy for the reader to fall in love withe Kya’s character and her personality, which is a highlight of this book.